I’d always dreamed of having a career in care, being able to make a difference to someone’s life was something that really appealed to me. Working in a café, I always knew I was good with people and wasn’t shy of hard work. However, for a long time I didn’t have the confidence to think that I could work in care with young adults with mental health and learning disabilities. In 2014, I took a leap of faith and applied for a Support Worker role at M&D Care ltd. I was so pleased when I was offered the role, and since that day I have never looked back. Having had no prior experience of working in care, I was fully supported to build the knowledge and skills needed to work in the role. The induction process was really informative, having the support of my manager and colleagues from day one built my confidence and I got the sense very quickly that I would be encouraged to develop both personally and professionally.
In 2015, while studying for my QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care, I was successful in getting a Senior Support Worker position at M&D, in this post I had exposure to both Residential and Domiciliary care. I loved the variation and the opportunities this role provided me. I began to learn and practise the principles of management; liaised with families, care teams and external professionals; I had involvement in the care planning of the people we support and gained a full understanding of what was involved in the daily operations of both a residential and domiciliary setting. This experience was invaluable and the support I received to progress in the role and develop was fantastic. M&D is excellent at developing talent, I went on to complete my QCF level 5 in Health and Social Care and in 2018 was given the opportunity to step up to cover a manager role at Granville Court which I loved. In 2019, I gained Registered Manager status, and then in 2020 I became Head of Service. When I reflect on where I started I can’t believe how far I’ve come.
The progression at M&D has been brilliant, I am sure that had I have worked for a different company, I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities. There is such a fantastic network of support at M&D, I always know there is someone I can ask for help. The Directors are fully invested in the employees and provide an enormous amount of direction and encouragement.
The rewards at M&D far outweigh any challenges that come as part of any job. It is a privilege to have a part in the lives of the people we support. Being able to see them develop new skills and build their independence makes me so proud. Seeing their happiness when they achieve new things makes me really happy and also honoured to be part of their journey. I really can’t imagine doing anything else.
